PHOTONICS

PHOT-100  Introduction to Photonics

3 Credits

Introduction to Photonics explores the fundamentals of photonics theory including concepts, applications in the workplace, and career opportunities. Photonics is defined as the controlled flow of light particles (photons) used in the generation, manipulation, transport, detection, and use of light information and energy. This course will explore the production and nature of light including: the laws of reflection and refraction, theory of image formation, principles of wave optics (including interference, diffraction and polarization), fundamentals of fiber optic theory, principles of lasers and laser safety, and the basics of holography with image processing. Concepts will be reinforced through demonstrations, classroom activities, and takehome lab and written exercises. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on applications of photonics in medicine, transportation, manufacturing, communications, environmental monitoring and consumer devices. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in MATH-064. (3 hours weekly)

PHOT-105 Optical Physics

4 Credits

This course covers basic optical theory (both geometric and physical (wave) optics) and its components. Geometrical optics deals with the treatment of light as a ray and will help the student to understand the basics of light reflection and refraction. These principles will be applied to the study of image formation, lenses, mirrors, aberrations, prisms, fibers, optical system design and optical instruments. Physical optics introduces the wave nature of light and the consequences of this behavior. Topics studied include interference, diffraction, polarization, interferometry, spectroscopy, etc. There will also be an introduction to: thin film coatings to enhance or suppress reflection; the operation of such devices as gratings, polarizers, quarter-wave plates, etc.; and the study of optical image processing and display devices. A lab component will parallel the lectures and provide hands-on experience handling optical equipment. In the laboratory, the student will develop the ability to appraise, use and interpret data to express mathematically and explain (often using a model) the physical phenomena involved. Prerequisites: MATH-131 or higher and PHOT-100. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)

PHOT-200  Principles of Lasers

3 Credits

This course covers the basic principles of laser operations and applications with particular emphasis on laser safety. Beginning with an introduction to incoherent and coherent light sources, the structure of the atom, emission processes, and stimulated emission of radiation will be studied. Next, laser output characteristics and modification, laser materials and components, and common types of industrial lasers will be studied. Included is an overview of major industrial laser applications (e.g. Telecommunications). Safety and laboratory procedures are also covered. The lab experiments will closely follow, reinforce, and extend the classroom material. Prerequisites: MATH-131 or higher and PHOT-105. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)

PHOT-205  Detection and Measurement

3 Credits

This course will provide the student with a working knowledge of the various devices and techniques for evaluating optical systems. This course covers basic concepts of fiber optic measurement techniques. Measurement of power, spectrum analyzer, and wavelength meters will be used to measure optical spectral measurements. Topics include the applications and use of spectrometers, monochromators, spectrophotometers, and Michelson, Febry-Perot, Twyman-Green, Mach-Zender interferometers to measure wavelengths, absorption of wavelengths, defect in lenses, prisms, and flat plates. Hands-on lab will help the students to understand the concepts better. Prerequisites: ELEC-117 and PHOT-105. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)

PHOT-210  Fiber Optics Communications

4 Credits

This course provides the student with a theoretical and hands-on background in fiber optics communications. Topics will include a basic overview of light and optics, total internal reflection, basic waveguide propagation, singlemode, and multimode fiber, fiber optics loss mechanisms, splicing and termination, loss testing, OTDR usage, lasers and DWDM, and optical network design. Hands-on lab experience will help the students to understand the concepts better. Prerequisite: PHOT-105. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)

PHOT-220  Advanced Topics in Photonics

3 Credits

As the field of photonics rapidly evolves, new technologies will be introduced to keep the student abreast of the state of the art in the photonics industry. Students will be introduced to advanced topics, as per their area of interest, such as integrated optical devices, holography, advanced laser topics, optical switches, Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM), etc., in a seminar format. Guest speakers will be invited to present and supplement the classroom seminars. Each student will be required to pursue individual areas of interest culminating in a mentored applications-oriented photonics project and presentation to the class. Emphasis is placed on selecting, planning, implementing, testing and presenting the project. Prerequisites: ELEC-213 and PHOT-200. (3 hours weekly)